Tucson Attorney Jay K. Powell Suspended from the Practice of Law

PHOENIX - July 3, 2012 - Attorney Jay K. Powell of Tucson has been suspended from the practice of law for violating the Rules of Professional Conduct.

The Presiding Disciplinary Judge of the Arizona Supreme Court ordered a 60-day suspension for Powell, resulting from a consent agreement between him and the State Bar of Arizona.

In five separate cases, the Bar alleged that Powell knowingly engaged in conduct that violated his duty as a legal professional and caused injury to clients, the public, or the legal system. He was found to have knowingly failed to abide by clients' decisions, failed to act with reasonable diligence, failed to return client's property after the termination of representation, and failed to timely respond to State Bar's requests. Powell conditionally admitted to engaging in a pattern of misconduct, multiple offenses, and failing to comply with State Bar requests, which lead to the consent agreement.

The suspension is effective July 5, 2012. Upon reinstatement, Jay Powell will be placed on a two-year probation period. He must submit to both Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) and Member Assistance Program (MAP) assessments that will determine additional terms and conditions of his probation. Powell was also ordered to pay $1,431.40 to the State Bar of Arizona for the costs and expenses incurred during the investigation.

About the State Bar
The State Bar of Arizona is a non-profit organization that operates under the supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. The Bar includes approximately 16,900 active attorneys and provides education and development programs for the legal profession and the public. Since 1933 the Bar and its members have been committed to serving the public by making sure the voices of all people in Arizona are heard in our justice system.